From time to time our external customer service provider will contact supporters and members of the public on behalf of the RSPCA NSW in order to offer raffle tickets and RSPCA products for RSPCA fundraising purposes.

RSPCA NSW does NOT 'cold call' supporters or members of the public to ask for donations over the phone.

If you receive a telephone call and are concerned that the caller is not an official RSPCA NSW representative, or is not officially calling on behalf of the RSPCA, please do no proceed with the call and do not provide any personal or credit card payment details. Instead, ask for the representative's name and a contact number, and then call the RSPCA on 02 9770 7555. You will then be able to verify the telephone number and contact details with our staff.

If you have made a transaction over the phone and believe that you have been the victim of fraud, please report details to the NSW Department of Fair Trading for investigation on 13 32 20.

Multi award winning restaurant Eurolounge located in Castle Hill has decided to only use free range eggs in its kitchen.

Co-owner Karlene Dimbrowsky who is a long term advocate for using free range eggs and has three chickens at home is instrumental in having this policy implemented in an environment where profit margins are tight. “Not everything is about the money, some things are more important and I’m thrilled we’re finally doing this.” Karlene said. “We’re not looking to change the world but we do want to make this change that is important to us and in a small way and maybe makes others think about the issue” she said.

Owner and Mayor of the Hills Council Peter Dimbrowsky says that this is a personal statement from the entire Eurolounge team. “We talked about it as a team and the feeling was unanimous.” “We’re committed to using free range eggs in the kitchen and we’ve registered with the RSPCA’s Choose Wisely (http://www.choosewisely.org.au/) program as part of our public commitment.” He said.

Head Chef Alex Hau said “Eurolounge usually uses 40 dozen eggs per week which means 80 birds will be “employed” in a free range environment to provide for the restaurant and that’s got to be good news for everybody.

Eurolounge was recently featured in the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide as one of six restaurants in Sydney for its environmentally sustainable policies.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Mashable, the social media guide website, has just commenced it's 3rd annual Open Web Awards competition. The Open Web Awards is an international online voting competition for innovations in web technology and achievements in Social Media.

One of the categories for voting is Best Nonprofit Use of Social Media. If you would like to vote for RSPCA NSW, please click on the poster above! Thank you for your vote and your continued support for the RSPCA NSW.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

RSPCA NSW is appealing for witnesses to an incident in North Narrabeen on Tuesday, 13 October where a duck was attacked and killed.

Three teenagers were seen capturing the duck and then attacking and killing it, leaving the body on the pathway. The incident took place around midday on Pelican Path, a public pathway between Lake Park Rd and the Ocean Street Bridge in North Narrabeen.

“This is a distressing and deliberate act of animal cruelty and we urge anyone with information to come forward,” said RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector David O’Shannessy.

“An incident such as this which results in the death of an animal amounts to an act of aggravated animal cruelty and offenders face a maximum penalty of $22,000 and/or two years in jail.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact RSPCA NSW on (02) 9770 7555 or the Police.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Recently my fiance and I came to your Yagoona shelter, looking for a dog.We found a beautiful dalmation by the name of MISCHA, and it stated on her cage that she was deaf.

We left the shelter without her, but the whole of the next week we couldn't stop talking about the beautiful dog we had seen and we wondered if she was still there. After contacting the shelter by phone, we arranged to come back to view her again. She was asleep in her cage.

We were sold - we had to have her! So we decided to adopt her and take her to her new home.

I am pleased to tell you how well she has fit in. As a deaf dog it takes her a little longer to learn than a hearing dog, but we wouldn't have her any other way. She had her first ever visit to the beach and even though we kept her on the lead, she loved the water and loved playing in the waves.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

RSPCA Education Officer Stephanie Sok with students from Ashmont Public School

The RSPCA run a free Humane Education Program for kindergarten, primary and high schools. Our mission is to positively change students’ behaviour and attitudes towards animals through interesting, informative and eye-opening lessons. We hope that these lessons will inspire and encourage students to make kind, informed choices about the way they treat animals and each other.

The RSPCA feel that it is crucial for children of all ages to learn to respect animals and also to understand that they feel pain just like humans do. Research has shown that animal abuse does not happen in isolation but that there is a link between violence towards animals and violence towards people. We as educators are obliged to try and stop this cycle of violence and give students the tools to make better choices for animals.

This is where the FREE RSPCA Humane Education Program can help.

The duration of each lesson is 30 minutes; we come to you and teach classes of up to 30 students in the comfort of their own classroom. We can visit one class or we can take the time to visit every class in the school! Each school also receives an All Creatures Club resource pack which contains curriculum linked lesson sequences, information and a CD ROM for K-6 students.

Allows children to learn the correct way to approach dogs and help us to reduce the risk of dog bites. Curriculum link: Play It Safe PDHPE

• Year 1 & 2/ Stage 1 (S1) – Max Pack

With the help of our plush toy dog Max we teach students the role of the RSPCA in our society and the skills needed to be a responsible pet owner. Curriculum link: Workers in the community HSIE; The need for shelter HSIE; Getting along with others PDHPE.

• Year 3 & 4/Stage 2 (S2) – Cat Tales

Because cats are an easy target for cruelty, this lesson aims to encourage positive attitudes towards cats through an exciting and interesting journey through time; looking at cats in history and their amazing adaptations. We discuss important welfare issues and together with the students create a humane home environment for all animals. Curriculum link: Building my network PDHPE; Living in communities HSIE.

• Year 5 & 6/ Stage 3 (S3) – Playing my part

Students learn about the RSPCA as a charity and its role in the community. Through investigating some local animal cruelty cases and an international case study, students reflect on their own role in the community as a responsible citizen and also think about the part they can play from a global perspective. Curriculum link: Playing my part PDHPE; Current Issues HSIE.

Secondary School Humane Education - Breaking the Cycle of Violence

The RSPCA Humane Education Department has reached over 60 000 primary students in NSW. Due to the success of the program and ongoing support from the University of Sydney, we would like to extend our education to secondary schools with our important humane messages.

As a Teacher or Parent, Why Should I be Concerned About Animal Cruelty?

Because of the link between animal cruelty and violence. Animal abuse does not happen in isolation. It is part of a far bigger problem of violence in society. Research suggests there is a link between animal abuse, domestic violence, child abuse and aggressive, anti-social behaviour.

Animal cruelty is often a sign of serious psychological distress. It can indicate that a youth has either experienced violence first hand or is at risk of becoming violent towards people. Research shows that most
serial killers had, as youths, killed or tortured animals. We must recognise that youths who deliberately abuse animals or talk about animal abuse in the home, are crying out for help. For youths living with domestic violence, family pets are extremely important and they can develop intense relationships with them – these
relationships can either be positive or negative.

Teaching youths empathy for animals has shown an increase in empathy for humans.

How can I help break the cycle of abuse?

· The RSPCA can help teachers break the cycle of violence through humane education at schools.
· Humane education should be an integral part of every school program.
· Teachers can educate others about the connection between animal cruelty and other violent crimes, including child abuse.
· Teaching by example is a teacher’s most powerful tool. Showing your respect and kindness towards animals models appropriate behaviour for students.
For further information about this program, or to make a booking, please call our Humane Education Department on 02 9770 7555 or email: education@rspcansw.org.au.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

For over 135 years, RSPCA New South Wales has been helping to do society’s dirty work, work the government doesn’t want to do. Although we are one of only two animal welfare organisations named in The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act as a government recognised provider of services, the government contributes less than 2% to our annual operating costs. That’s why we need your signature and donation to help us rebuild Yagoona Shelter.

Our Sydney shelter at Yagoona is one of the biggest in the southern hemisphere. This facility not only cares for and protects thousands of metropolitan animals each year, but it also acts as a filter facility for regional animals. We transport animals from our eleven shelters around the state to Yagoona where they have a better chance of being rehomed.

Yagoona has been in operation for over thirty years and the cracks are beginning to show. While our staff continues to work with the same exceptional level of commitment, we know we could do so much more with the right facility. We are committed to building a state-of-the-art facility that houses animals in comfort and safety. This facility would also focus on the growing need for education in the community. This bold initiative has the working title of the RSPCA Centre for Animal Rescue and Education Services. We have plans for a facility that includes new kennels and catteries, a new animal hospital, a humane education centre and proper staff facilities. We just don’t have the money to build it.

If Yagoona is not seen as a priority by the NSW government, it will continue to deteriorate and will eventually be forced to close. We need your help to alert the government to the urgent need for action. The closure of Yagoona would create immense regional pressure and would negatively impact the other NSW shelters, which don’t have the facilities to cope. Local government would be forced to take responsibility for the overflow of animals despite already being under financial pressure and acknowledging its personnel doesn’t have the skills to deal with animal welfare. RSPCA NSW is effectively subsidising the government at present.

We need our loyal supporters to assist us in lobbying local Members of Parliament to put the rebuilding of Yagoona on their agendas. We need to create a groundswell of support across this state so that the government sees this as an urgent state issue. We need the government to recognise that the Yagoona Shelter not only cares for animals but educates children, protects pets of domestic violence victims, looks after animals of the aged and infirm, acts as a teaching hospital for vets and vet nurses and houses Australia’s largest Inspectorate dedicated to enforcing government laws.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

RSPCA NSW has Australia’s biggest squad of law enforcement officers dedicated to policing offences against animals. There are 30 inspectors in NSW – 15 in the Sydney metropolitan area and 15 located in regional areas around the state.

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1979, RSPCA Inspectors have the power to remove animals from owners who are cruel, neglectful or indifferent to their animals’ suffering. Inspectors investigate more than 12,000 complaints every year. Many of these complaints are dealt with on the spot by educating owners of their responsibility. The cruelty cases are referred to the courts for prosecution.
RSPCA inspectors investigate complaints against all kinds of animals in all kinds of situations. The most common complaints are failure to provide adequate food, veterinary treatment and adequate shelter.

Inspectors also investigate pet shops, sale yards, abandoned animals, drought stricken livestock, tethered animals, hoarders – people with more animals than they can look after and acts of intentional harm and cruelty.

In 2007/2008 financial year our Inspectorate received 6,401 insufficient food and water complaints, and investigated a further 13,649 complaints, with 835 charges made against 129 defendats.

Rocky's Story

Rocky, a Kelpie cross, was seized by RSPCA NSW after a concerned member of the public reported a very skinny dog in the neighbourhood. On of our Inspectors, Claire, followed up on the report and found Rocky in the backyard of a house. He was in extremely poor health and although he was emaciated with his ribs clearly visible, his gentle nature shone through. Inspector Kendall brought Rocky back to the shelter where he received some much deserved attention during his stay at the RSPCA. He was nursed back to a healthy weight and body condition.

His owners were prosecuted and pleaded guilty. Rocky was surrendered to RSPCA NSW. A healthy, happy Rocky was put up for adoption. Despite his history of neglect, Rocky’s good nature ensured he found a home quickly. His new owners keep in touch with the RSPCA staff that cared for him. Finally Rocky has been given a second chance at a life he deserves.

Formally known as the Paws for Celebration Ball, this year’s RSPCA annual gala event has been ‘supersized’. Gone are the stuffy chairs and tables, three course dinner and live auctions – replaced by a cocktail-style event with food and drink included in the reduced ticket price. And we’re not talking cocktail frankfurts and a glass of chardonnay. Substantial, welfare-friendly food will be circulating all night along with a bevy of beverages to whet even the most parched participant.

Replacing the live auction items – which the same six people tend to bid on every year – is a cavalcade of interactive games. For $5, $10, $20 or $50, you might pick up a prize in the bat cave, win a car on the Noble Toyota Tree or jostle the joker to give up some goodies. Each time you play, you are assisting the RSPCA and you stand the chance to win amazing prizes including holidays, a car (courtesy of Noble Toyota), a scooter and so much more.

Dress is black tie or, if you feel the need for speed, come dressed as your favour superhero... or just wear your undies on the outside. Come mingle with animal-friendly celebrities and superheroes.

There is a serious cause behind this event. We are hoping to raise $60,000 on the night to purchase an Emergency Response Vehicle for our inspectors. You might have seen the Scooby rescue on the news -if not, don't miss the the full story on tonight's RSPCA Animal Rescue! - our Inspectors worked for five days straight and had to call in favours from the fire brigade, mine safety experts and commercial drillers to assist in this operation. In that same week, our inspectors attended nine rescues. An Emergency Response Vehicle would have made the operations a lot easier.

Monday, October 5, 2009

The Pets of Older Persons (POOPs) program assists socially isolated elderly people by offering assistance with their pets in times of crisis. The POOPs Program aims to keep pets and their elderly owners happy, healthy and together in their own homes for as long as possible.

POOPs was established by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) at St Joseph’s Hospital Auburn in 2003 to temporarily care for the pets of elderly people who were admitted to hospital. The RSPCA became involved to provide assistance with veterinary care and emergency boarding.

• Temporary foster accommodation and/or emergency boarding of the pet should the owner require hospitalisation.
• Assistance with veterinary treatment at the RSPCA Sydney Hospital when required.
• Assistance with dog grooming if required.
• Home visits when required to assist the elderly with basic pet care.

Who is eligible for POOPs?

POOPs is specifically designed to help elderly people over 65 years of age who do not have any relatives or friends that are able to help care for the pet in time of need.

Palliative care patients of any age who are socially isolated may also access POOPs services.

What does it cost?

Where possible, clients pay the veterinary, grooming and boarding fees at the time of service. Pensioners receive a discount on all services and payment plans can be arranged if required. All cases will be assessed on an individual basis.

The POOPS program is not government funded and relies on donations and grants for support.

Occasionally, we can’t find enough foster carers and volunteers to assist with POOPs. If you’re interested in assisting with any of the following tasks, please contact our POOPs Coordinator or call 02 9770 7555.

Large numbers of family members in domestic violence situations have pets. Sadly, these family pets often become directly involved in domestic violence, as abuse of a pet is a tactic commonly used to control, hurt and intimidate the victim. Fear of leaving pets in the hands of a violent partner often prevents or delays victim's leaving a domestic violence situation.

Australian studies have indicated that between 50 and 85 per cent of women who experienced domestic violence had a family pet and that 54 per cent of abused women indicated that their partner had hurt or killed their family pets. In addition, over a third of people in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Community experience domestic violence or abuse.

The Safe Beds for Pets program was established to provide temporary housing for pets of families seeking refuge from domestic violence and to address the link between animal and human abuse and child protection. The safe beds program is not a long-term solution to the housing of the pet, but it gives domestic violence victims peace of mind and allows them to secure their own safety and make arrangements for the future. It is common practice for the perpetrator of domestic violence to lure family members back home by threatening to harm the pet. With the Safe Beds for Pets Program families can now leave domestic violence situations and not fear for the safety of their pets.

Who is eligible for Safe Beds for Pets?

Safe Beds for Pets is specifically designed to help victims of domestic violence. In most cases, these animals are referred through to the RSPCA from a domestic violence counselling service.

What does it cost?

Where possible, clients pay the veterinary and boarding fees at the time of service. All cases will be assessed on an individual basis.

The Safe Beds for Pets program is not government funded and relies on donations and grants for support.

A big thank you to the organisers of the recent Sydney Twestival event who raised funds for our Safe Beds for Pets program through Twitter and a live event at Cafe Bones, Leichhardt. Sydney Twestival raised approximately $500 for the program!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Choose Wisely is the RSPCA's campaign to get hens out of cages. It's called Choose Wisely because whether you're a restaurant or a household, your choices can make a real difference to hens.

We believe hens should be able to:

◦ scratch in the dirt
◦ forage for food
◦ lay their eggs in a nest

◦ stretch out and flap their wings

◦ perch and dustbathe

◦ socialise freely

◦ be protected from the elements and predators.

Choose Wisely asks businesses to commit to using free-range or barn-laid eggs at a Gold, Silver or Bronze level based on whether they use them in some or all of their products.

Gold means all egg-containing food items sold on the premises, including sauces and cakes, are made with free-range or barn-laid eggs.

Silvermeans free-range or barn-laid eggs are used in all egg-containing food items made on the premises. However, it is understood that cage eggs may have been used in products brought in, such as cakes and sauces.

Bronzemeans all whole eggs used on the premises are free-range or barn-laid. This could include fried eggs, omelettes, salads, etc. These products should be clearly labelled.

This is a big commitment so we’re also asking consumers to support those businesses that take this step and to encourage those still using cage eggs to make the change. To find a Choose Wisely restaurant or to register your restaurant visit our Choose Wisely website.

Plus, when next you’re standing in the egg aisle in the supermarket, the RSPCA asks shoppers to choose wisely and help us get hens out of cages!

Better accreditation needed for Free-Range Egg Industry

After exciting talk of certain supermarkets supporting cage-free eggs a few weeks ago, there has been a lot of talk about free range eggs this week – and not a lot is good.

An article in the Sun Herald on Sunday 6 September (click here to read) reveals that the accreditation system for free-range eggs is, in some cases, just a simple marketing exercise to push up prices.

We at the RSPCA urge our supporters not to give up on supporting the hens in free-range and barn-laid systems. In short - please keep up the fight to get hens out of cages and for free range eggs to be the standard in stores and supermarkets.

To help solve the problem of accreditation, RSPCA Australia has developed an accreditation system called the 'RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme’. So far we have signed up a good number of egg producers who meet RSPCA’s standards, but we'd love to see more.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

The fostering of animals is an important and rewarding part of the work that RSPCA NSW volunteers and staff undertake and gives those animals that would not normally be able to be re-homed a wonderful start in life before moving on to suitable, lifelong homes.

The purpose of foster care is to place into temporary care those animals who are not suitable to be housed in the shelter environment, whether they are too young or small to be eligible for adoption, are recovering from illness or surgery, or have behavioural reasons such as being timid or not coping at the shelter.

The photo above is of George, one of RSPCA Tamworth's Volunteers and Foster Carers. George is 75 years old. When George lost his wife a few years ago, he became very lonely and heard about RSPCA Tamworth's recruitment drive for Volunteers and signed up.

George absolutely loves fostering the animals, especially Bundi, the dog who appears with him in the photo above. Bundi and George are best mates and George takes very very good care of Bundi (and vice versa!).

George proudly tells all his carers and nurses that he fosters for the RSPCA. RSPCA Tamworth Volunteer Branch President, Patricia Varley has clearly seen what a difference being a Foster Carer has made to George's life.

Put simply, George is just amazing. It's so wonderful to see that members of the community - from the age of 10 (see Lakota's story, previous blog post) to 75 - give up their time to get involved and play a fundamental role in the care and wellbeing of animals.

Becoming a RSPCA Foster Carer

In order to become a Foster Carer you must first join the RSPCA as a member, attend an information session and have a premise inspection so we can discuss with you what types of animals and how many at a time you would be best suited to foster.

RSPCA NSW Volunteer Branches are the backbone of RSPCA's work in regional NSW. Each branch is run exclusively by volunteers and plays a fundamental role in foster care and finding permanent homes for animals, plus running information and desexing programs.

Many Volunteer Branches fund their operations through donations from businesses and members of the community, fundraising events during the year (trivia nights, golf days etc), regular market stalls - and so much more!

Each Volunteer Branch usually consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, plus often other positions such as Publicity Officer, Cat Foster Care Coordinator and Dog Foster Care Coordinator.

These positions are voted for each year at each Volunteer Branch's Annual General Meeting.

The picture above is of one of our super active RSPCA Junior Members/Volunteers/Foster Carers (phew!), Lakota. Lakota is 10 years old and is pictured holding 'PAVAROTTI', the Jack Russell who does the Hyundai advertisements!

This photo was taken at a recent fundraiser RSPCA Tamworth Branch held at the Oxley Dog Training Agility Trials in September. Lakota often helps RSPCA Tamworth at market stalls and other RSPCA functions and should be commended for her generosity, continued support and passion for animal care and welfare.
Good on you Lakota!!

If you have a passion for animals and are interested in volunteering to help RSPCA volunteer branches - your local RSPCA Volunteer branch would be only too happy to hear from you!

Volunteers are an integral part of the RSPCA NSW team and play an active part in supporting our work to improve the welfare of animals and protect them from cruelty and neglect. Volunteering involves dedication, commitment and passion. It is a great way to gain experience, develop new skills, meet new people and be directly involved in the animal welfare cause.

There are many volunteer roles available – some involving contact with animals, while others provide support without direct contact with animals. Opportunities exist to assist with animal care, administration, events, customer service and fundraising!

We are often asked how corporate groups can volunteer their time to help RSPCA NSW.

Perhaps your organisation would like to volunteer at one of our fundraising events? Coming up is our RSPCA Superheroes Ball on 30 October 2009 in Sydney. Or why not volunteer at our Blue Mountains shelter in Katoomba that needs help with their upcoming Garden of Rememberance!

Thank you to HSBC - Corporate Support Day

8 staff from HSBC joined us on a paid corporate support day recently. They were treated to a lecture on the work of the RSPCA from our shelter volunteer co-ordinator Marika, a tour of the shelter from Deb and some dog walking with Hannah and our shelter animals. Then they were put to work in the garden! Another great group from HSBC. HSBC are workpace donors and regular corporate support dayers!

If you and your team are interested in doing some corporate volunteering for RSPCA NSW please contact:

RSPCA NSW Business Relations ManagerMr James Rodenjroden@rspcansw.org.au02 9782 4491.Thank you to all our Volunteers!

RSPCA NSW would link to thank all our volunteers for their tireless work and dedication. The list of roles and respsonsibilites our volunteers have is far too long to list here, but without our volunteers the RSPCA would not be able to function.

"Volunteers don't get paid. Not because they're worthless - but because they're priceless." ~ Sherry Anderson".

Friday, October 2, 2009

Many of the animals that come to RSPCA Shelters and Volunteer branches are there because their owners can no longer look after them. There are a number of reasons why animals offered for adoption by the RSPCA make wonderful pets!

All RSPCA animals:

• are expertly checked by a veterinarian and temperament tested
• are microchipped and desexed where relevant
• come in different shapes and sizes, including pure breeds and mixed breeds
• have been given love and attention while at the shelter from dedicated, caring RPSCA volunteers & staff.

Most importantly, when you adopt a pet from the RSPCA you are not only giving an animal the chance at a new life, you’re supporting the continuing efforts of the RSPCA to care for all animals throughout Australia.

Desexing

All animals surrendered to the RSPCA and available for adoption are desexed. The main reason for desexing is to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The RSPCA takes in 160,000 animals every year and many of these are the result of unplanned breeding.

Desexed animals are generally less likely to get diseases and illness such as mammary cancer and uterine infections in females and cancer and prostate problems in males. Desexing commonly reduces behaviour problems such as roaming, aggression and urine marking in males. In females it prevents mating behaviour and false pregnancy.

If a puppy or kitty, your pet should be desexed before they are 5-6 months old. There is absolutely no benefit in letting females have one litter before they are desexed.

RSPCA Australia recommends early age desexing from the age of eight weeks when the surgery is simple and recovery is rapid and straightforward. Early age desexing is an effective way of reducing accidental pregnancy in young animals and ensuring compliance with local council desexing requirements.

Adopting a pet from the RSPCA

Before adopting a pet it is strongly recommended that you consult a veterinarian who will be able to provide expert advice on the physical needs, health and behavioural characteristics of each type of animal. Your local RSPCA will also be able to offer further advice and information.

Kate - another success story from RSPCA Tamworth, Kate the labrador, who has had a hard start to life, will soon be rehomed to the Northern Territory! Kate will be flying up to meet her new family next Friday. More information and photos will be coming soon!

Billy - RSPCA Ulladulla were desperate to rehome gorgeous Billy after his elderly owner recently passed away. Billy was featured on Adopt A Pet and was broadcast through our Twitter and Facebook pages - he was even mentioned on Twitter by Kerri Anne Kennerley! Very soon after, Billy was adopted and is happy in his new home. See Billy's profile here >

Adoption Dog of the Week - Ella from RSPCA Taree

ELLA is a gentle giant who was rescued from the local pound on D Day. ELLA is affectionate, loves to play, quite good on a leash, however, at the moment likes to walk you instead of you walking her! :) ELLA is a quiet dog, she is obedient, responds to sit, stay and "shake hands". ELLA needs a secure yard as she can jump. This may not happen if her owner spends quality time with her. Ella would be more suited as an only dog. ELLA comes, heart worm free, wormed, flea treated, microchipped, vaccinated (C5) and desexed. ELLA will cost $150 to the right home. View ELLA's page on Adopt A Pet for more details >

Adoption Cat of the Week - Yassie from RSPCA Unanderra (Wollongong)

Hi there! I am known as YASSIE. To describe myself I would say I was gorgeous, friendly, quiet & adaptable. One unusual feature about me is that I have a stumpy tail! My new owners will allow me to live indoors at all times please. Lots of cuddles & interactive toys would be great, too. I should adapt to other animals in the home, if any, given time. Children are no problem at all! If your home is lacking some affection, I can fill that void!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Australia was formed in Victoria in 1871. On the 4th July a public meeting was arranged by the Society for the Promotion of Public Morality to discuss the carefree colonial attitude towards animals. The main concern of people who attended the public meeting was the ill treatment of horses (125 years later and our Societies are still concerned: Horse Racing in Australia).

The establishment of more SPCA Societies soon followed. They were:

Tasmania in 1872;

New South Wales in 1873;

South Australia in 1875;

Queensland in 1883; and

Western Australia in 1892.

RSPCA ACT was formed in 1955 followed by the Northern Territory in 1965.

In 1923 the Societies were given the Royal Warrant and they became known as the Royal Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

By 1980 it became obvious that the RSPCA movement had to become a national organisation to speak with one voice on policy matters and to offer advice to the Federal government on national animal welfare issues.

In May 1980 the eight RSPCAs met in Melbourne and agreed unanimously to form a properly constituted national Society. The foundation membership of RSPCA Australia was limited to the existing eight RSPCA Societies, being Vic, ACT, NSW, NT, Qld, SA, Tas and WA.

Since its initial movement in 1871, the RSPCA has fought relentlessly against animal cruelty. It has witnessed dramatic and positive change in the way that animals are treated within our society and has seen incremental change in legislation governing animal welfare.

The RSPCA is an organisation created by the community and driven by strong community support. Without public backing the RSPCA would cease to function and without the services of the RSPCA the future for millions of animals would look very bleak indeed.

RSPCA Facts & Fiction

You're a Government Agency and are Government Funded:

We are not a Government Agency, nor are we a Government funded charity. Most people think the majority of the RSPCA’s budget is paid for by your taxes. This simply is not true. Nationally, it costs over $80M a year to maintain the RSPCA, we get less than 2% of this from the Government. The rest we must find through donations from businesses and members of the public, by running events (like our upcoming RSPCA Superheroes Ball), fundraising initiatives, bequests, workplace giving, corporate partnerships and grants.

The RSPCA just rescues dogs and cats:

The RSPCA does more than just rescue dogs and cats. We do rescue tens of thousands of cats and dogs every year, but we also care for and protect other companion animals, native animals and livestock breeds. We actively lobby government and decision makers to change and abolish unfair or cruel animal practices, and we operate Australia’s largest squad of law enforcement officers dedicated to policing offences against animals.

The RSPCA helps those who can’t help themselves. Nationally, our Inspectorate investigates over 48,000 cruelty complaints each year. Many of these complaints can be addressed on the spot by giving pet owners guidance and information on how to better care for their pets. When owners, however, deliberately neglect their animals, our Inspectors have the power to seize the animal and prosecute the owner for neglect or animal cruelty.

The objectives of the RSPCA in Australia are:

To prevent cruelty to animals by ensuring the enforcement of existing laws at federal and state level.

To procure the passage of such amending or new legislation as is necessary for the protection of animals.

To develop and promote policies for the humane treatment of animals that reflect contemporary values and scientific knowledge.

To educate the community with regard to the humane treatment of animals.

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About us

The RSPCA - The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - is Australia's pre-eminent animal welfare organisation. We provide a strong voice for animals experiencing cruelty and neglect. The RSPCA is not a government agency and receives only a very small amount of funding from the Government. We rely on the generosity of the community and our own fundraising initiatives to fund our vital work.